Observation:
Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods
Types of
Research
What we’ve focused
on is called Experimental Methods, the true experiment. It involves randomized
assignment of subjects, standardized instructions, and at least one IV and one DV.
There are several other types of research that are not as rigorous, but that
you need to be aware of.
Perhaps the
simplest form of research is Naturalistic Observation.
Observing behaviour
in their natural environment
Often involves
counting behaviors, such as number of aggressive acts, number of smiles, etc.
Advantages:
Behaviour is naturally occurring and is not manipulated by a researcher and it
can provide more qualitative data as opposed to merely quantitative
information.
Limitations: Even
the presence of someone observing can cause those being observed to alter their
behaviour. Researcher’s beliefs can also alter their observations. And, it is
very difficult to coordinate multiple observers since observed behaviors must
be operationally defined (e.g. what constitutes an aggressive act)
Following a single
case, typically over an extended period of time
Can involve
naturalistic observations, and include psychological testing, interviews,
interviews with others, and the application of a treatment or observation
Advantages: Can
gather extensive information, both qualitative and quantitative and it can be
helpful in better understanding rare cases or very specific interventions
Limitations: Only
one case is involved, severely limiting the generalization to the rest of the
population. Can be very time consuming and can involve other problems specific
to the techniques used, including researcher bias.
Everyone has
probably heard of this and many of you have been involved in research involving
surveys. They are often used in the news, especially to gather viewer opinions
such as during a race for president
Advantages: Can
gather large amounts of information in a relatively short time, especially now
with many surveys being conducted on the internet.
Limitations: Survey
data is based solely on subjects’ responses which can be inaccurate due to
outright lying, misunderstanding of the question, placebo effect, and even the
manner in which the question is asked
Correlation means
relationship, so the purpose of a correlational study is to determine if a
relationship exists, what direction the relationship is, and how strong it is.
Advantages: Can
assess the strength of a relationship. Is popular with lay population because
it is relatively easy to explain and understand.
Limitations: Can
not make any assumptions of cause and effect (explain how third a variable can
be involved, or how the variables can influence each other).
Psychological
Testing
Utilizing testing to gather information about a group
or an individual
Advantages: Most tests are normed and standardized,
which means they have very reliable and valid results. Popular with businesses
looking for data on employees and with difficult or specific therapy cases
Limitations: Tests which are
not rigorously normed and standardized can easily result in inaccurate results.